Republican candidate Herman Cain is suspending his bid for the Republican presidential nomination to avoid continued news coverage of allegations of sexual misconduct that is hurtful to his family.

"I am suspending my presidential campaign because of the continued distractions and the continued hurt caused on me and my family," Cain told several hundred supporters gathered at what was to have been the opening of his national campaign headquarters.

Cain's announcement came five days after an Atlanta-area woman claimed she and Cain had an affair for more than a decade, a claim that followed several allegations of sexual harassment against the Georgia businessman.

ALBUQUERQUE (AP)— Some of the worst winds to hit the Albuquerque metro area were at the base of the Sandia Tram. It was enough to shut the tram down Thursday after winds of 88 mph were clocked.
The tramway manager says when the winds start swinging the cables and the cars, the tram can’t reach the mountaintop on a day like that.
Once the cross winds go beyond 45, the tramway is shutdown. Inside their control room they monitor the wind speeds.
It’s bad news for visitors and not so good for the tram because of lost business.
This morning, meanwhile, state highway officials have closed Interstate 40 from Santa Rosa to Clines Corners due to black ice.

The Fuller Lodge Historic District Advisory Board will meet at 5 p.m., Dec. 7 in the Curtis Room.

County Council

The Los Alamos County Council will meet at 7 p.m., Dec. 6 at council chambers in the Community Building.

Court closed

The Magistrate Court will close Wednesday, Thursday and Dec. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 for computer training for the judge and staff. Anyone who has court business may come to the court before or after those closing dates.

A press release in Thursday’s edition of “Diversions” incorrectly stated that Don Taylor will take photographs during the Santa Paws event from noon-4 p.m. Saturday at Pet Pangaea. Pet Pangaea will take the photos.

The wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by combined effects of wind and cold. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill.

During severe cold weather conditions, your best line of defense is to stay inside your home or vehicle.

However, if you must be outside, avoid overexertion — such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.

Hundreds of thousands without power in California. A wind gust reaching 123-mph in Colorado. The powerful winds that tore across Western states Thursday created a path destruction that prompted some communities to declare emergencies.

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez announced Thursday that her administration has significantly reduced cell phone, BlackBerry, and air card use, resulting in over $320,000 in projected savings over calendar year 2011.
The administration has reduced the number of wireless devices in agencies and departments throughout state government by a net total of 500 from December 2010 to September 2011. These administration-wide reductions, along with a more efficient approach to pooling wireless plans, are projected to total $320,412 in savings by the end of 2011.